The British driver set a new record around the streets of Monte Carlo to beat local hero Charles Leclerc to pole by 0.109 seconds.

Lewis-Skelly was thrust into the European spotlight against Monaco at the Emirates amid Arsenal’s defensive crisis.

At the draw in Monte Carlo, the revamped 36-team competition threw up a showdown with the Scottish champions and a repeat of Villa’s finest hour, their European Cup victory over Bayern in 1982

The seven-time world champion and Mercedes have been on the backfoot so far this season.